Iranian diplomat says nuclear site inspections will only come after final deal

A man waves an Iranian flag as people beat their chests during a mourning ceremony in Tehran, Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

The head of the UN’s nuclear agency signalled that Iranian nuclear enrichment sites would be visited by his inspectors, a key component to reach an end to the US-Iran war.

But an Iranian diplomat promptly rejected this on Wednesday, saying such a visit can only come after a final deal — a denial that highlighted the precariousness of the ongoing negotiations.